Every major city should have the possibility to have access to a peaceful spiritual village like Mahone Bay. When you reach a place like this you almost automatically want to step back, slow down, discover and appreciate the surroundings. The tranquil serene site by the water will bring an immediate relief of muscles and brain tensions.

It might be the three churches that set the tone. The all-white square tower United Church, the white central spire with black trim John’s Evangelical Lutheran, and the yellowish St James Anglican align to create a visual harmony in a respectful and peaceful community. Together they form an iconic image rarely presented.   All built before the turn of the 20^th century, the churches wood structures, despite being next to the salty waters of the ocean, survived over time.

The Trinity United Church used to be the tallest of them all but an incident in the late 1920s cut its height and left an invisible scar to the building. Constructed in 1861, on a nearby lot and without the use of the automobile and the train which were probably not running in the area yet, it was moved to the current location in 1885. What an accomplishment!  Again, a few years later, in 1894, changes were made, this time by adding a basement.

St. John’s Lutheran Church was the first one facing the harbor on Edgewater Street. Completed in 1869, it has a white wooden frame with an emphasis on the upper part of the arched windows with delicate and contrasting black trims.

Finally, in 1887, the biggest and yellowish St James Anglican Church was built.

The three (3) aligned churches, the local restaurants, the creative shops, the exclusive boutiques and the coffee shops are all a step away from the tranquil water of the bay.

Taking your coffee on the packed shoulder-to-shoulder underground metro with an overly perfumed lady next to you is not the same as taking a coffee by the calm water in a historic place. At Mahone Bay, you can only have the second option.

With less than a thousand residents, the village provides out-of-ordinary beautiful options and the opportunity to find the perfect gift or support your creative craft project. 

The town is concentrated along the water and a small blue museum building at 578 Main Street provides insight into the town. Once a family residence, it is now presenting highlights of the community and the families in the area at the beginning.  The construction, 1874-1877, is an example of the Lunenburg House local style architecture.  A central forward entrance zone and door with an advanced space at the second level are characteristic elements.

Other places to consider: the bandstand next to the water perfect for musical performances, the old gas station converted into a restaurant, the Have a Yarn for warm handmade material for projects, and Rebecca’s Restaurant, at 249 Edgewater Street, offers a good eating option, with vegetarian possibilities, in a heritage environment and a New England Colonial Style house dating back to 1799 are all possibilities.

Also, everyone should stop at the jewelry-making store: Amos Pewter. They have beautiful pendants, earrings and Christmas tree decorations all made of pewter. The burning metal immediately solidifies at room temperature. Ask for a demonstration; it is spectacular.

According to your needs in shopping, you can spend half a day or a full day. If you opt for the half-day, you can combine it with a visit to Lunenburg.